Greetings everyone! I hope everyone has been having a great time with family and friends.
We are at the end of the year, and it is usually a time for reflection.
We reflect on the things that we did, or didn’t do. The changes that we made, and the changes that we hope to make.
This year instead of hashing out my crazy 2013 (because it was very crazy!) I want to leave you with words of encouragement.
But first a picture:
This picture was taken in front of my family’s home, right when Spring was waking up the trees and flowers. This tree (because I forget the name) tried so hard to bloom, grow its leaves and reach for the sky. I don’t know if this tree is going to make it back next year, but we can hope that it does! Sandy did a number to nature in this area, but many trees are doing their best to get back to their normal.
As we face 2014 let us remind ourselves that failure is an option. We will fail–we are human after all. It is what we do with that failure that matters most. Don’t let a stumble turn into something bigger. Don’t let failure define you. Failure is a circumstance and it is temporary. It will pass.
Pick yourselves up and get back on it.
Have weight loss goals? Do it! Don’t expect to lose everything in the first month, but hold onto that desire all year round, it will carry you through.
Have business goals? Define them and reach for them. The only regret that you’ll have is not trying.
I am reminded of a scripture:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Everything starts and stops with how our mind thinks. If you believe in success, then you will succeed. It takes time and nothing is done in a day. We must put our faith in God and our abilities.
The biggest asset that we were given was our ability to think things out and grow mentally, let us use this gift.
2014 may be full of challenges, but you know what I say to that? Bring it! 🙂
Before I go, let me close with a prayer:
Dear Lord,
For many of us 2013 was a year that brought a lot of change. Many of us have big goals for 2014. Some of us are trying to take ourselves to the next limit, while others are just getting their bearings. Wherever we are in our life’s journey let us dedicate ourselves in growth–with our endeavors of choice, and with our faith in You. For nothing is possible without You.
Amen.
To all my readers, Happy New Year, and I’ll see you on the 1st!
It’s so important to remember that we need to do something slow and with meaning. People get frustrated because results don’t happen in 10 days. Sometimes it takes 10 years.
wonderful reminders, Kalley.
Very true! A lot of times when we start something, we want it now and we want to be great right now, but these things takes time. Even if it takes 10 years we should keep the dream alive. Thank you Carla. I hope you have a Happy New Year. 🙂
Happy New Year! I am excited about the amazing things that God has planned in 2014. I am grateful to be past the Christmas Holiday and I am ready for the fresh, clean slate of a new year. God bless.
I am so looking forward to the clean slate of 2014. It’s going to be a great year. Wishing you a Happy New Year 🙂
Kalley I am so encouraged by this post. The truth be told, if we were really to pattern ourselves after this world we would be so outside of God’s will and headed for destruction. But thank God for His grace and His mercy, as long as we submit ourselves unto Him, He would not allow us to go that way.
So many things that I did not get accomplished this year, but this is a reminder that there is something called another chance, that I can go back at it and try again. I would love to shed some pounds for sure, I failed miserably at it this year, but I am going to make a go at it again and hopefully this time I will succeed.
Thanks for all the words of wisdom and inspiration that you have shared over the past months I’ve followed your blog. May God continue to bless you and fill you with His word. Happy New Year 2014 to you and your entire family! 🙂
Love
Yvonne
You are so right Yvonne, if we did pattern ourselves to this world we woe be in a whole heap of trouble! I love the sense that we get knowing that we can go back and start over. Try again. Do things different. That’s the beauty about growth and making a new path. Sometimes we have to step back to move forward. Wishing you a Happy New Year 🙂
Amen! He teaches us through our human failures And frailty.
Beautiful work here!
I so needed to read this this today. Thank you for this beautiful reminder!
looking forward to following you and your adventures.
Love this! What a perfect reminder to start off the new year!
love this post. I needed this today!
I am so happy that on the last day of this year I stumbled upon this post. Thank you, thank you for this message. Failure is a part of life’s lessons. You learn from them and as you a said we pick ourselves up and move on. I wish you continued happiness, love and success in 2014. Happy New Year!
Many thanks for this beautiful post. My first time here and I am definitely visiting again.
Cheers.